Le Pre de Villaroger (altitude 1200 metres) is the password to another world - away from the razamataz of modern resorts. We are located in a village so small, unspoilt and rustic that the official Les Arcs tourist information does not even publish a mention or a photo of it.

Yet we are located next to the ski lift, so you can eat your breakfast looking out of the window so you know that the lift has started before you leave the table (that's right - you don't need to leave early just to avoid the queu, the skiing population is around about 40 - so it's like your own private facility).

The Longest Black run in the world, ending at the back door of our chalet!!

The run length is about 16km but the real measure is the vertical descent which is a lung shattering, leg smashing 2 kilometers.

Le Pre de Villaroger was connected to the outside world in the early 70's when the ski lift was installed. The original character of Savoie in 1900 is still present in the village. During the summer, the local farmer still herds his half dozen cows through the streets.

There are three great eateries offering mainly locale fare - there is also Henri's restaurant - half way up the mountain, which is a must for anyone wanting a break.

Les Arcs

is a fine well equipped range of mountains rising above the town of Bourg St. Maurice where the TGV and ski trains terminate. The slopes which include mountain pasture and woods, face east, north east, west and south west so the views are superb. The area borders the Vanoise National Park and a vaste nature reserve.

Key locations are linked by regular shuttles and a high speed funicular railway connects the railway station in Bourg St Maurice. The cost of these facilities is incuded in your lift pass.

Whilst the Arcs are impressive modern constructions, they are not everyones idea of accomodation, and if you are driving - it is actually quicker by road from Villaroger to Bourg St Maurice than it is from any of the Arcs because of the endless hairpined climb. Villaroger is only 10 minutes drive from the major Route National 90.